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Rangers Charity Foundation Donates £10,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity

Thu 3rd August 2017

Rangers player Kenny Miller today (3 August) handed over a cheque for £10,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity from the Rangers Charity Foundation.

The funds will be used for the charity’s ground-breaking Radiotherapy Research Project, a pioneering three-year initiative which aims to increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments and significantly increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for people who require radiotherapy.

Kenny Miller commented: “Beatson Cancer Charity provides fantastic support to people with cancer and their families, so I’m honoured to hand over this donation today from the Foundation on behalf of all the fans who helped to raise this money.”

Despite improvements in survival rates in recent years, cancer remains a critical challenge. One in three people in Scotland will develop cancer during their lifetime. More than 50% of patients receive radiotherapy and it is the primary form of treatment for 40% of patients whose cancer is cured.

The Radiotherapy Research Project will significantly increase the ability of radiotherapy treatments to shrink, control and in some cases eradicate cancers. This is positive news for those with lung, brain, pancreas and head and neck cancers where there is currently a poor outlook.

Funding from the project will assemble a team of leading researchers who will evaluate new techniques and treatments together, building upon the Beatson’s internationally recognised work. The charity is also providing funding for advanced technology with which to carry out the life-changing research.

The Rangers Charity Foundation was delighted to support Beatson Cancer Charity throughout season 2016/17, helping contribute to the fight against cancer.

With the help of supporters, the Foundation fundraised throughout the year to raise the £10,000. The Foundation would like to give special mention to trustee Colin Kirkwood who, along with his family, raised £5,380.

The Kirkwoods raised the money by once again organising the annual Captain Kirky Marathon which saw friends and family of Craig Kirkwood run, walk or cycle from Kilwinning Sports Club to Ibrox Stadium in his memory.

The family also again hosted the Craig Kirkwood Cup football match in his honour.

Foundation Director Connal Cochrane said: “Cancer affects so many lives and more people than ever before are being diagnosed here in Scotland. With the tremendous backing of the Rangers Family, the Foundation is delighted to be supporting this significant research project with Beatson Cancer Charity, one which we hope will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of cancer patients.”

Beatson Cancer Charity Chief Executive, David Welch, added: “Sadly the west of Scotland has one of the highest rates of cancer in Europe. This is a terrifying fact. In my role I see first-hand the immense courage of patients and families as they take on their cancer journey. By increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments, this project will make a real impact on survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients. We’re very grateful to Rangers Charity Foundation for their generous donation and their determination to beat cancer.”